Compare Pet Insurance Quotes
You could pay from £3.35 per month* on your pet insurance
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*Price per month for cover based on a dog, Burger, one year old, no known medical conditions and up-to-date vaccinations. Based on quote data provided by Seopa Ltd during November 2024. The quote price you could achieve is dependent on your individual circumstances.
What you'll need to compare pet insurance
Your Pet's Details
Information about your pet including species, breed, age, and any pre-existing medical conditions. This helps insurers assess the health risks.
Personal Information
Basic info like your name, address, contact details, and any previous claims history to help determine your pet insurance rates.
Coverage Requirements
Decide whether you need lifetime, annual, accident-only, or maximum benefit coverage. Consider your budget and your pet's specific needs.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is designed to help cover the costs of veterinary treatment if your pet becomes ill or is injured in an accident. It provides financial protection against unexpected vet bills, which can sometimes run into thousands of pounds depending on the treatment required.
Owning a pet can be rewarding, but it can also be costly. The expense of treating illness or injuries can put you in a difficult financial position if you are uninsured. As the pet owner, you are also liable for any property damage or injuries caused by your pet to third parties. Pet insurance in the UK is an important investment as it offers financial support for multiple risks associated with owning a pet.
By comparing multiple quotes, you could pay as little as £3.35* per month for your pet insurance with MySupermarket Compare, potentially saving significant amounts on your annual premium while ensuring your furry friend has the protection they need.
Types of pet insurance coverage
Lifetime Pet Insurance
Lifetime pet insurance is the most comprehensive type of coverage available. It provides continuous coverage for ongoing illnesses or conditions throughout your pet's life, as long as you renew the policy each year.
Key features:
- Annual limit resets each year upon renewal
- Covers new and ongoing conditions
- Provides the most comprehensive protection
- Usually includes coverage for dental treatment
- Typically has a waiting period of around 14 days
Accident-Only Insurance
Accident-only policies cover vet fees for injuries resulting from accidents, but not illnesses or disease. This is typically the most affordable type of pet insurance available.
These policies usually have a per-accident limit and often have no waiting period for accident coverage.
- Covers injuries from accidents only
- Does not cover illness or disease
- Typically has a limit per accident
- Usually the most affordable option
- Often has no waiting period for accident claims
Annual (Time-Limited) Insurance
Annual or time-limited insurance provides coverage for new conditions for up to 12 months from when they first occur, or until the financial limit is reached, whichever comes first.
After the 12-month period or when the financial limit is reached, the condition becomes pre-existing and won't be covered if it recurs.
- Covers conditions for up to 12 months
- Has a financial limit per condition
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- More affordable than lifetime coverage
- Typically has a waiting period of around 14 days
Maximum Benefit Insurance
Maximum benefit policies cover each condition up to a specified financial limit, with no time limit on how long you can claim. Once the financial limit is reached, the condition will no longer be covered.
This type of policy can be a good middle ground between lifetime and time-limited cover.
- Fixed financial limit per condition
- No time limit on claims
- Once limit is reached, condition is no longer covered
- More affordable than lifetime insurance
- Typically has a waiting period of around 14 days
Insurance options for different pet types
When you shop around for quotes, it's important to compare policies tailored to your pet's needs. Different types of pets have different insurance requirements and considerations.
Dog Insurance
Depending on the level of insurance for dogs or puppies you've chosen, your dog could be covered for veterinary fees for illness or injury.
- Coverage for breed-specific conditions
- Third party liability coverage for damage or injuries
- Death benefits and theft coverage
- Options for dental care coverage
- Lost pet advertising and reward coverage
Cat Insurance
Insurance for cats or kittens offers similar coverage to dog insurance but typically at lower premiums due to the different risks involved.
- Many insurers have no upper age limits for cats
- Coverage for common feline conditions
- Some policies may include cover for pre-existing conditions
- Options for routine care like vaccinations
- Emergency boarding fees if you're hospitalized
Rabbit Insurance
Increasingly, rabbits have become more popular as pets in the UK. Insurance for rabbits is available as both accident-only or lifetime insurance.
- Coverage for common rabbit conditions like GI stasis
- Respiratory disease coverage
- Dental condition coverage (important for rabbits)
- Can often be added to multi-pet policies
- Options for vet fee reimbursement
Multi-Pet Insurance
It's possible to get insurance for multiple pets under a single policy, which can be more convenient and often comes with a discount.
- Typically covers dogs, cats, and rabbits
- Discounts for insuring multiple pets at once
- Different coverage levels for each pet
- Single renewal date for all pets
- May include coverage for pre-existing conditions
Specialized Pet Insurance Options
Insurance for Older Pets
From around the age of 7-8, pets are considered "senior." At this age, they can be more prone to developing age-related illnesses or conditions. While premiums are typically higher, specialized senior pet insurance can provide crucial protection for these expensive treatments.
Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions
Many pets are diagnosed or have been treated for conditions before a policy is taken out. Some insurers offer specialized coverage for these pre-existing conditions, though it will usually be more expensive but can save you money on medical bills in the long run.
What does pet insurance cover?
The coverage provided by pet insurance will depend on the type and level of insurance selected. Always check the coverage details and any exclusions before you commit to a policy. However, these are common risks that can be covered by pet health care insurance:
Veterinary fees
Coverage for veterinary treatment if your pet is ill or injured in an accident.
Prescription medications
Payment for medications prescribed by your vet to treat your pet's condition.
Third party liability
Coverage if your pet causes injury to someone or damages their property (usually dogs only).
Death or euthanasia
Compensation if your pet dies from illness or injury, including euthanasia costs.
Theft or straying
Compensation if your pet is lost or stolen and not recovered.
Advertising and reward
Costs of advertising for a lost or stolen pet and offering a reward for its return.
Emergency boarding fees
Costs of boarding your pet if you're hospitalized and unable to care for them.
Overseas travel
Extension of your pet insurance coverage when traveling abroad with your pet.
What is not covered by pet insurance?
Exclusions for pet insurance will depend on the terms and conditions of your policy. However, pet policies typically don't cover the following:
Routine treatments
Vaccinations, flea treatments, worm treatments, grooming, and nail clipping.
Preventative care
Neutering, spaying, and routine dental checks or cleanings.
Pregnancy and breeding costs
Treatment related to pregnancy, giving birth, or breeding.
Pre-existing conditions
Most standard policies won't cover conditions your pet had before the policy started.
Behavior problems and training
Treatment or training for behavioral issues.
Hereditary conditions
Some policies exclude common hereditary conditions in specific breeds.
Ignored veterinary advice
Claims resulting from ignoring vet advice or using alternative treatments not recommended by your vet.
Always read your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what is and isn't covered before purchasing pet insurance. If you're unsure about any aspect of the coverage, contact the insurer directly to clarify.
How much is pet insurance in the UK?
Pet insurance costs will vary based on the pet, its breed, and its age. The level of cover will also affect the cost. When it comes to the average cost of dog insurance, we have done the research to find the top 20 most expensive dog breeds to insure.
| Dog Breed | Average Annual Insurance Premium (£) |
|---|---|
| 1. Bullmastiff | 286.20 |
| 2. Great Dane | 271.20 |
| 3. Irish Setter | 205.42 |
| 4. Rhodesian Ridgeback | 204.25 |
| 5. Weimaraner | 194.88 |
| 6. Boxer | 174.26 |
| 7. Basset Hound | 172.31 |
| 8. German Shepherd Dog Cross | 170.77 |
| 9. Shetland Sheepdog | 165.08 |
| 10. Hungarian Vizsla | 161.40 |
| 11. Dorset Old Tyme Bulldog | 159.72 |
| 12. Dogue de Bordeaux | 157.08 |
| 13. Flat Coated Retriever | 154.63 |
| 14. Collie (Rough) | 153.98 |
| 15. Siberian Husky | 153.12 |
| 16. Bearded Collie | 151.63 |
| 17. Bernese Mountain Dog | 150.26 |
| 18. Greyhound | 150.26 |
| 19. Alaskan Malamute | 149.16 |
| 20. Bernese Mountain Dog Cross | 147.78 |
Quotezone data – a sample of 100,000 dog policies from January to October 2024.
How can I get cheap pet insurance quotes?
It's important to do research using an insurance comparison platform to carefully compare policies and their prices. You could also have a better chance of finding cheap insurance for a pet by following these tips.
Maintain your pet's health
You can do this by staying up-to-date with your pet's routine check-ups and vaccinations. Being generally observant of your pets and any changes in their behaviour could also help catch issues early. Preventative care can help avoid expensive treatments later.
Opt for multi-pet coverage
If you have more than one pet, then it's usually cheaper to insure all your pets under one multi-pet policy. You can usually insure mixed pets like dogs and cats with the same policy, with coverage tailored to suit the needs of every different type of pet.
Adjust your excess
When you make a claim, you'll typically have to pay an excess amount. By opting for a higher excess, you could lower your premiums. Just be sure it is an amount you are comfortable paying when it comes to making a claim.
Pay annually
Paying for insurance annually usually works out cheaper overall than paying monthly. When you use Quotezone, you can see exactly how much you will save by choosing this option before you commit to a policy.
Spay or neuter your pet
Spaying or neutering your pet has many benefits including making your pet less risky to insure. It can reduce health risks and behavioural problems. Keep in mind though that the procedure itself is not typically covered by insurance for a pet.
Shop around
Always shop around for multiple quotes from different pet insurance companies as they're not all the same. Taking the time to compare quotes gives you a better chance at finding affordable cover for your pet. Our partner Seopa Ltd can help you compare up to 25 providers.
Expert Advice
"With research suggesting a dog can cost its owner as much as £30,000 during the course of its lifetime, it should come as no surprise that a pet's veterinary bills have the potential to be quite sizable if the animal suffers an accident or is diagnosed with an illness. Pets don't have the NHS to fall back on, of course, so a good pet insurance policy really is the best way to protect your furry friend… and safeguard your finances."
— Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk
What do I need to get a quote?
Your insurer will need to know which level of coverage you want as well as the details about your pet or pets. This includes:
- The species, age, breed, and sex of your pet
- Vaccination history and current status
- Medical background and any existing conditions
- Previous claims history
- Your personal details and location as the policyholder
Pet Insurance FAQs
How does claiming for a pet on insurance work?
The process is fairly straightforward. Following a claimable incident you can use the insurer's claim form. Simply complete and submit this with all the necessary documentation and receipts. It will then be processed by your insurer who will determine the outcome. When your claim is approved you will be reimbursed per the terms and conditions of your policy. Most insurers now offer online claims processes, making it even easier to submit your claim.
Which pets are not covered by UK pet policies?
Exotic pets like reptiles, birds, and small mammals are not usually covered. Some cat and dog breeds may be excluded as well as animals used for commercial or service purposes.
Does pet insurance cover dental?
It depends on what kind of dental care is necessary. Most insurers will provide accident or injury dental care. Coverage for dental illnesses like gum disease is far less common and may only be included in comprehensive policies. Many pet policy providers offer dental cover as an optional add-on. However, this will increase the costs of the insurance and may be harder to qualify for if there are pre-existing conditions.
Is it worth insuring an old dog?
If you have a lifetime policy for your old dog it may be advantageous to maintain the policy as it will continue to cover chronic conditions and other age-related injuries. If you are taking out a new insurance policy for an older dog, you may need specialist policies due to the high cost of premiums and possible exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
How much is a pet policy monthly?
This will vary depending on the level of cover you've selected, as well as the pets on your policy. Pets with pre-existing medical conditions could be charged more. It's best to get personalised quotes to find out how much a pet policy will cost you.
What is a good annual limit for pet coverage in the UK?
A good annual limit for your pet will depend on your pet's specific needs. Lifetime policies typically offer over £10,000 per year, whereas more basic policies can start as low as £2,000. These limits will likely affect your insurance costs, so getting a customised quote can help determine what insurance you should get.
When is it worth claiming on your pet policy?
This will depend on your financial situation and your policy. The cost of your vet bill, your insurance premium, and the excess amount will all play a part. It's also important to keep in mind that claims can affect the price of future insurance premiums.
What is the best pet insurance option?
The best pet policy is one that would offer sufficient cover for your specific needs. These needs will vary depending on you and your pet. The age, species, and pre-existing medical conditions of your pet will determine which type of coverage would be best for you.
Which pet insurance provider is best?
There is no one best provider for pet coverage. It will vary depending on you and your pet's needs. Certain insurers will have policies dedicated to particular types of pets and their specific needs. By comparing different policies you'll soon see which provider would best suit your requirements.
What is lifetime pet cover?
Lifetime insurance for a pet is typically the most comprehensive type of insurance. Due to the range of coverage provided, it is also usually the most expensive. It covers your pet for a wide range of illnesses or injuries for their entire life, as long as you pay your premiums.
Does insurance cost more for pedigree animals?
Generally, yes. Pedigree animals are generally more prone to certain hereditary health conditions. For example, a French bulldog can be susceptible to breathing problems due to its flat face. This increases the risk to the insurer and therefore, makes insurance costs higher.
Why is pet insurance important?
Pet insurance provides financial protection against potentially high vet bills for accidents or illnesses, allowing you to make care decisions based on need, not cost. It offers peace of mind and can include third-party liability cover (for dogs).
Are pre-existing conditions covered by pet insurance?
Most standard policies exclude conditions present before the policy start date. Some specialist insurers might offer coverage for certain pre-existing conditions, potentially after a symptom-free period, but often at a higher cost. Always declare all conditions when getting quotes.
What people have to say about the service
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United Kingdom
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